OFCOM LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO TIKTOK'S AGE CHECK METHODS

Ofcom has opened an investigation into whether TikTok is doing enough to prevent children from accessing its platform. The media regulator will examine how the video-sharing application assesses whether users are children and whether it has adequate systems to block minors from viewing harmful content. The probe was announced a month after the UK government stated that under-16s would be banned entirely from a range of platforms. TikTok stated it was "confident" in meeting its obligations under the Online Safety Act and said it would cooperate with Ofcom.

The investigation focuses on TikTok's use of "age inference" technology, which estimates a user's age based on their behaviour on the platform, including the videos they watch and their interactions with other users. Kate Davies, Ofcom's group director for strategy and research, told the BBC that the regulator held "serious doubts" about whether such tools were sufficiently effective at verifying users' ages. Under regulations, social media platforms must employ "highly effective" methods to prevent children from accessing their services and to shield minors from harmful material. Davies said Ofcom had "very serious questions" about whether age inference could meet this standard. TikTok stated it strictly enforces age-appropriate experiences using advanced age inference technologies and has invested billions in online safety since launching in the UK eight years ago.

The investigation is part of a broader regulatory effort to prevent children from encountering adult content and other harmful material online. Ofcom's review follows a May assessment that criticised TikTok for not being "safe enough" for children and called for stronger action on child safety. Under the Protection of Children's Codes, which took effect in July last year, websites containing adult material must use methods such as face scans to verify visitors are over 18. Ofcom has previously issued substantial fines against dozens of sites for failing to comply with these requirements.